Sheet register devices



y 1, 1966 E. T. CAPKOVIC 3,253,339

SHEET REGISTER DEVICES Filed Jan. 20, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 F l G. 4.

FIG. 5. 2 l2 1 I 7 FIG. 6. l

| ,2 F l G. 7. I

22 25 25 28 FIG. F|G.8. FIG.9. FIG.|O INVENTOR.

EDWARD T. CAPKOVIC BY Z4 M} Mr 7 ATTORNEYS y 1966 E. T. CAPKOVIC 3,253,339

SHEET REGI STER DEVI CES Filed Jan. 20, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. [2.

FIG. I5.

FIG. l6.

FIG. 17.

INVENTOR. EDWARD T. CAPKOVIC BY M X/N "W ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,253,339 SHEET REGESTER DEVICES Edward T. Caplxovic, Springfield, Pa, assignor to Accurate Step & Repeat System, Inc, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Jan. 20, 1364-, Ser. No. 338,796 111. Qlaims. (Cl. 323-1845) This invention relates to sheet register devices for the graphic arts and allied fields for accurately positioning and re-positioning sheets such as art overlays, photographic films, lithographic flats and the like.

One sheet register system in use today involves the use of devices known in the art as dowels and fitters. Dowels are small discs which cooperate with openings in the fitters for sheet registration. [Fitters are accurately punched tabs made to lock over the dowels which fit snugly into the fitter opening. By way of a simple illustration, if the dowel is secured on one sheet and the fitter on another sheet, the two sheets may be registered by fitting the fitter over the dowel by means of techniques well known in the art. This basic principle is involved in many techniques well known in the graphic arts and allied fields.

It is a general object of this invention to provide improved dowels and fitters for use in sheet registration.

The above and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a dowel;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a fitter in accordance with this invention;

FIGURE 3 is a section view taken on lines 3-3 of FTGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of another form of fitter in accordance with this invention;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a sheet having fitters in accordance with this invention applied thereto;

FIGURES 6 and 7 are views illustrating the manner in which a fitter is placed over a dowel;

FIGURES 8, 9, l0 and 11 are plan views of various forms of dowels in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of a dowel locating device in accordance with this invent-ion;

FIGURE 13 is a side view of the device shown in FIG- URE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a plan view illustrating the use of the device shown in FIGURES 12 and 13;

FIGURES 15 and 16 are plan views of combination fitters in accordance with the invention; and

FIGURE 17 is a viewillustrating the use of the combination fitter shown in FIGURE 15.

The dowel d shown in FIGURE 1 is disc-shaped and is preferably made of vinyl plastic although other materials are satisfactory. One side of the disc has a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon so that the dowel may be pressed in position to afiix it on a sheet.

FIGURE 2 discloses an improved fitter 2 in accordance with this invention. The fitter is made of a thin tab of vinyl plastic having a generally square shape. The fitter 2 is made very accurately so that the four corner points i are spaced to define a square and serve as aligning points as will be described hereafter. It is desirable, but not essential, that the sides of the fitter 2 have indented portions 6 so that the aligning points 4 are accentuated. A circular hole 8 is formed in the center of the fitter 2. The central location of hole 8 must be very accurate. By this construction, the fitter 2 may be located on perpendicular cross centerl-ines drawn on a sheet as practiced in the art whereby the central opening 8 will be accurately aligned with the center of the crosscenterl-ines. The location of the fitter 2 involves aiming the aligning points 4 so that they are all in alignment with the cross-centerlines. The fitter-2 may have a pressure sensitive adhesive backing on one surface thereof so that it can be pressed onto a sheet to adhere thereto or the fitter may simply be taped in position on a sheet as is well known in the art. The fitter 2 is provided with four circumferentially equally spaced slits 10 extending radially outwardly from the periphery of the opening 8. The purpose of these slits will be described hereafter.

FIGURE 4 illustrates another form of fitter 12 in accordance with this invention, this fitter being essentially the same asthe fitter shown in FIGURE 2. The only difference is that there is provided an oblong hole 14 in place of the circular hole '8 of the fitter 2. The oblong hole 14 is centrally located with a high accuracy relative to the aligning points 4-. The oblong hole 14 is elongated along a line extending between two opposite aligning points 4. This opening 14 is designed to permit lateral movement between a fitter and a dowel within the fitter opening in either direction from the center of the fitter along the elongated dimension of the opening 14 but to restrain any movement in the direction of the width of the opening 114. Accordingly, the width of the opening 14 is such that it fits snugly over a circular dowel having a diameter slightly less than this width. The oblong fitter 12 is used advantageously in the photographic art wherein it is common practice to tape several thicknesses of film to a reference surface. When this arrangement is placed in a vacuum frame, a stress is created between the center-to-center points on some of these surfaces while other surfaces do not have such a stress. The oblong fitter permits accommodation of these stresses.

The size of the dowels and fitters may, of course, vary. By way of illustration, a typical fitter is 1% inches square and has a circular opening about /2 inch in diameter, The dowels are made to correspond with the fitter dimensions.

In the registration of sheets as practiced in the art, the fitters are generally used in pairs in various combinations,

such as two round fitters or one round and one oblong,

or in other combinations, such as two oblong and one round or three oblong and one round. It will be evident that the combinations of fitters may have many other variations in accordance with the desires of the user.

FIGURE 5 illustrates one of the simplest uses of the fitter for the registration of sheets. The sheet 26 to be positioned has scribed thereon two pairs of crosslines defining centers A and B. The centers A and B provided by the crosslines are spaced the same distance as the centers of a pair of dowels which are placed on another sheet with which the sheet 20 is to be registered. A circular hole fitter 2 is placed on the sheet 20 by aiming the aligning points with the crosslines so that the fitter center coincides with the center A. The fitter 2 is then pressed into position with the adhesive backing serving to hold the fitter 2 in position. A similar procedure is used with the oblong hole fitter 12 with respect to the center B. It is noted that the fitter L2 is oriented so that the elongated dimension of the oblong hole is parallel to and along a line extending between the centers A and B. The fitters 2 and 12 now provide openings having centers which coincide with the centers A and B.

This sheet may now cooperate with dowels located on another sheet with the same arrangement as the centers A and B, as for example in step and repeat work as described in Kessler Patent No. 2,499,100, in which case the sheet 20 would serve as a negative holder which is stepped along a sensitized plate having the dowels there- There are many other applications of a fitter which can be located accurately with respect to a pair of crosslines and these applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

One of the advantages of the fitter in accordance with this invention is that the portions thereof which are apart the greatest distance are used as the aligning points, namely the corners 4 of the square. This makes for the most accurate positioning for a given size fitter since the farther apart the aligning points, the more accurate the alignment possible. It is to be noted that only three of the corners need be used for achieving the aiming opera-- tion as discussed above wherefore, if desired, the fourth corner may be truncated or otherwise removed. However, the use of four corners is very satisfactory and provides a good check on the alignment procedure.

Another improvement in the fitter 2 is the provision of the slits 10. These slits permit easier engagement and disengagement of the dowels in the fitter opening. This is achieved by reason of the semi-rigid characteristics of the fitter, which may be made of plastics or other suitable material, whereby the slits permit the fitter hole to become slightly enlarged temporarily during an engaging or disengaging operation. FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate this feature of the invention. FIGURE 6 illustrates the condition of the parts when the fitter 2 is being plac d over a dowel 1. As shown in this figure, the peripheral wall of the dowel is slightly concave and the top thereof has a lip, the diameter of which is slightly greater that the diameter in the center of the peripheral wall. Most dowels which are formed by a punching operation have this shape. Accordingly, the fitter is forced to expand slightly when it contacts the dowel lip as is shown in FIGURE 6. However, as shown in FIGURE 7, once the fitter is in position over the dowel it returns to its normal position wherefore it is positioned accurately. While four slits provide very satisfactory results, it will be obvious that various numbers of slits may be used depending on the dimensions of the fitter and the type of material used. Various materials may be us d such as plastic, metal or paper but these materials must provide flexible fitters.

FIGURES 8 to 11 illustrate various form of improved dowels in accordance with this invention. Each of these dowels is disclosed as having a generally circular construction with at least a portion of the periphery being circular and a portion of the periphery being indented or removed to provide an irregular shape. This construction involves a reduction in the amount of the dowel circumference which will contact a circular fitter hole which is adapted to receive the particular dowel. This makes it easier to insert and remove the dowels from a fitter opening or other opening which is adapted to receive the dowel.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a dowel 21 having a segment removed so that a chord 22 of a circle defines a portion of the periphery of the disc. Of course, the amount removed should be somewhat less than one-half of a circle so that the dowel will register with a circular hole without any possibility of lateral relative movement therein.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a dowel 23 in which three segments are removed along chords 24 equally spaced about the periphery of the disc-like dowel. Accordingly, there is provided three arcuate peripheral portions 25 for contact with a circular opening, these arcuate portions being 120 apart.

FIGURE illustrates a dowel 26 in which four segments are removed along chords 27 equally spaced about the periphery of the disc-like dowel. Accordingly, there are provided four arcuate peripheral portions 28 for contact with a circular opening, these portions being 90 apart.

FIGURE 11 illustrates a dowel 29 in which the periphery has a serrated construction. Preferably, the serrations are provided by circular indentations or cut-outs 30 in the periphery of the disc, although other serrated constructions are possible. It is important, however, that there be provided a plurality of arcuate portions on the periphery for contact with a circular opening adapted to receive the dowel.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a dowel spotter which is used for the positioning of dowels. Referring to FIGURES 12 and 13, the dowel spotter comprises a flexible strip 31 which is preferably made of transparent plastic although metal or other suitable materials may be used. Secured to the top side of a strip 31, as by adhesive, is a stop member 32 which defines a straight edge 34. The stop member 32 is located approximately in the center of the strip 31. To one side of the stop member 32 the top of the strip 31 is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive 36. On the other side of the stop 32 there is provided an oblong opening 38 and there is scribed a pair of crosslines and 42. Line 40 is perpendicular to the straight edge 34 and line 42 is parallel to the straight edge 34. The oblong opening 38 is elongated along line 40. The crosslines 40 and 42 define a center which would be coincident with the center of a circular dowel positioned in opening 38 in contact with the arcuate portion 44 thereof closest to the stop member 32. Accordingly, when a circular dowel, as shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 12, is placed in the opening in contact with portion 44, the center of the dowel will be coincident with the center defined by crosslines 40 and 42. If strip 31 is made of transparent plastic, the lines 40 and 42 are scribed on the underside of the strip in order to avoid a parallax problem.

One use of the dowel spotter is in applications wherein the same center-to-center distance is used on several layouts for step and repeat positioning. This is illustrated in FIGURE 14. The procedure involved is to locate and secure a layout sheet 45 in squared relation with respect to a T-square 46 and to provide suitable centerlines. A pair of dowel spotters are taped temporarily in position on the centerlines. The T-square 46 is then replaced on the layout against the stops 34 of the dowel spotters and pressed downwardly into contact whereby the dowel spotters will become adhered to the underside of the T-square 46. Dowels are-then inserted in the openings in the dowel spotter. The dowels are pushed to the back of the opening in contact'with the arcuate portion 44 as discussed above. The strips of tape are then removed. The T-square may now be moved to a plurality of vertically spaced positions as lined on the layout sheet for the positioning of a plurality of pairs of dowels. By this arrangement, it will be apparent that the pairs of dowels will each have the same horizontal spacing therebetween. It will be noted that vertical centerlines are not required in the second and third steps. This procedure may be used in the preparation of a plate for the production of multicolor copy as described in Kessler Patent No. 2,499,100 for placing the pairs of dowels on the plate, which dowels are to serve for positioning the negative holder as more fully described in said patent.

Another novel feature in accordance with this invention may be termed a combination fitter, examples being shown in FIGURES 15 and 16. The combination fitter shown in FIGURE 15 comprises a strip 50 of plastic or other suitable material having a pressure sensitive area 52 extending along one edge thereof. The fitter has a circular hole 54 in one end thereof with outwardly ex tending slits 56 such as are provided in the fitter 2 shown in FIGURE 2. At the other end of the strip there is provided an oblong hole 58 which is elongated along the longitudinal extent of the strip 50 as is shown in FIG- URE 15.

The combination fitter shown in FIGURE 16 comprises an elongated strip 60 and a pressure sensitive area 62 on one edge thereof and a central circular opening 64 having slits 66 and a pair of oblong openings 68 and 70 on opposite sides of the circular opening 64. The three openings are in alignment with a straight line extending through the centers thereof with the oblong openings being elongated along this line;

FIGURE 17 illustrates the use of the combination fitter 50. As shown in this figure, the fitter S0 is attached to the artwork 72 or the like by pressing the sheet on the adhesive area. Dowels may then be inserted through the holes therein onto the artwork. Overlays are then provided to cover the work area and the combination fitters are pressed to attach themselves to a convenient marginal edge of the overlay.

It will be understood that the above description of this invention illustrates convenient practical embodiments thereof and that various modifications may be made without departing from the broad aspects or from the scope of the invention. It is thus not desired to be limited except as set forth by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

-1. A fitter for use in cooperation with a dowel for the positioning of sheets comprising a fiat flexible member having a circular opening therein adapted to receive a disc-shaped dowel, said member having at least three corner portions defining aligning points, two of said corners being located on opposite sides of said opening and defining points in very precise alignment with a straight line passing through the center of said opening, the third corner defining a third aligning point in very precise alignment with a straight line perpendicular to said first-mentioned line and passing through the center of said opening, said member having a plurality of slits extending outwardly from the periphery of said circular opening.

2. A fitter for use in cooperation with a dowel for the positioning of sheets comprising a flat member having an oblong opening therein adapted to receive a disc-shaped dowel, said member having at least three corner portions defining aligning points, two of said corners being located on opposite sides of said opening and a pair of defining points in alignment with a straight line passing through the center of said opening, the third corner defining a point in alignment with a straight line perpendicular to said first-mentioned line and passing through the center of said opening, said oblong opening being elongated along one of said straight lines.

3. A fitter for use in cooperation with a dowel for the positioning of sheets, comprising a square-shaped fiat flexible member having a circular opening therein adapted to receive a circular dowel, said opening being located so that the center thereof is equidistant from each of the corners of said member, said corners being constructed to form aligning points for use in the positioning of the fitter, said member having a plurality of slits extending outwardly from the periphery of said opening.

4. A fitter for use in cooperation with a dowel for the positioning of sheets comprising a square-shaped flat member having an oblong opening therein adapted to receive a disc-shaped dowel, said opening being located so that the center thereof is equidistant from each of the corners of said member, said corners defining aligning points for use in the positioning of the fitter, said oblong opening being elongated along a line extending between two corners and the center of said opening.

5. A fitter for use in cooperation with a dowel for the positioning of sheets comprising a square-shaped flat member having an opening therein adapted to receive a disc-shaped dowel, said opening being located so that the center thereof is equidistant from each of the corners of said member, said corners defining aligning points for use in the positioning of the fitter, the side edges having recessed cutouts therein for accentuating the corners.

. 6. A dowel positioner comprising a fiat member, a stop member secured on one side of said fiat member and defining a straight edge, a pressure sensitive coating on said fiat member laterally to one side of said stop member, and an opening adapted to receive a dowel located in said flat member laterally of said stop member on the opposite side thereof from said adhesive.

7. A dowel positioner comprising a flat member, a stop member secured on one side of said fiat member and defining a straight edge, a pressure sensitive coating on said flat member laterally to one side of said stop member, and an opening adapted to receive a dowel located in said flat member laterally of said stop member on the opposite side thereof from said adhesive, a pair of cr-oss-centerlines scribed on said flat member to define a center within said opening.

8. A dowel positioner according to claim 7 wherein said opening is oblong and elongated along one of said cross-centerlines.

9. A member for the positioning of sheets comprising an elongated member, a pair of spaced openings for the reception of dowels formed in said member, and an adhesive coating on a strip extending only along a longitudinal edge of said member, said adhesive strip being spaced transversely from the openings.

10. A member for the positioning of sheets comprising an elongated member, a pair of spaced openings for the reception of dowels formed in said member, and an adhesive coating limited to a strip along one edge of said member, said adhesive strip being spaced transversely from the openings, one of said openings being circular and the other being oblong in the longitudinal extent of said member, said member having a plurality of slits extending outwardly from the periphery of said circular opening.

111. A member for the positioning of sheets comprising an elongated member, three spaced openings for the reception of dowels formed in said member, and an adhesive strip extending longitudinally of said member and limited to an area spaced transversely from the openings, said openings being centered on a longitudinally extending line, one of said openings being circular and the other two openings being oblong along said centerline, said member having a plurality of slits extending outwardly from the periphery of said circular opening.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS.

ISAAC LISANN, Primary Examiner. B. A. DONAHUE, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A FITTER FOR USE IN COOPERATION WITH A DOWEL FOR THE POSITIONING OF SHEETS COMPRISING A FLAT FLEXIBLE MEMBER HAVING A CIRCULAR OPENING THEREIN ADAPTED TO RECEIVE A DISC-SHAPED DOWEL, SAID MEMBER HAVING AT LEAST THREE CORNER PORTIONS DEFINING ALIGNING POINTS, TWO OF SAID CORNERS BEING LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID OPENING AND DEFINING POINTS IN VERY PRECISE ALIDNMENT WITH A STRAIGHT LINE PASSING THROUGH THE CENTER OF SAID OPENING, THE THIRD CORNER DEFINING A THIRD ALIGNING POINT IN VERY PRE- 